Fort Lauderdale, Florida is surrounded by the ocean and is so close to the intra-coastal waterways, thus boating can be almost as common as driving a car on the weekends. Because of this, law enforcement has dedicated more resources to making sure that our waterways are safer by cracking down on boating under the influence (BUI) by causing the enactment of strict boating laws and charges.  Legally, and similar to driving while impaired, boaters must not operate a boat while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

It does not matter whether your BUI charge originated in the ocean, on an intra-coastal waterway, or on one of Florida’s many lakes and ponds: make no mistake about a pending BUI charge. It is serious and can have many of the same negative consequences as driving under the influence. More especially so were there to be a fatality such as drowning that occurred.

If you or a loved one have been charged with boating under the influence, it is important that you immediately discuss your rights with an experienced and competent Fort Lauderdale DUI Attorney. The attorneys at Musca Law are prepared to walk you through and explain your options.

What Happens After A DUI Arrest?, After you are arrested on charges of DUI, you are required to pay a bond for securing bail. You can pay the full amount of the bond or appoint a commercial bail bondsman to pay the sum on your behalf. If the latter is the case, you are required to pay a percentage of the bond money to the bondsman as a non-refundable fee. In case you pay the bond amount, you are liable to get a refund of the entire amount if you are acquitted by the Court. In case somebody other than the bail bondsman pays the amount, you are advised to have the individual assign the rights of the bond to you once he gets reimbursed. This entire process of assignment is conducted efficiently by a Fort Lauderdale DUI Lawyer.

After you are arrested, you will be notified through a mail about the date fixed for appearing at the Court. At the time of your appearance at the Court, you will be required to file a plea of either guilty, not guilty, or no contest. It is always advisable to plead not guilty as you may affect your chances of contesting the evidence, the right to file motions, and exert your rights. By pleading not guilty, you are entitled to be represented by an Attorney who will investigate whether your rights were violated by the Police. The Defense Counsel is given adequate time to investigate all that occurred prior to the arrest, so that they can defend the accused. An experienced Fort Lauderdale DUI Lawyer will proceed with the motion to suppress evidence before your DUI trial. The issues raised in the motion to suppress evidence include whether your rights were violated, the Police Officers had sufficient cause to arrest you, whether your statement was in violation of the Miranda Rights, or the samples of your urine or the breath test was properly conducted.